Arlington's Big Day

Today is Arlington's 6th birthday. I can't believe our eldest child is 6 years old. She was born on a Saturday. I thought she might be a Valentine's baby. Valentine's day, 6 years ago, was going to be my last day of work. Arlington wasn't due for another week, but I was told by my OB, it probably wouldn't be that long. I was going to take a few days before she was due to relax and get ready. I woke up on Valentine's day with back pain. I thought I slept wrong (how dumb was I???). I worked ALL day. A couple of my work mates thought I was crazy for being there, but it was my last day, and we had a nice V-day party planned (plus it was one of my co-workers birthdays) so I wanted to go. We were at the Valentine's/Birthday party around 4:30 - laughing hysterically at something or other, and I felt a small gush. Now, being STILL dumb (didn't get any smarter since the morning) I thought I had peed my pants from laughing! I asked one of my recently pregnant co-workers about it, and she said "I would be your water broke". "Nah" I said, but decided to call my OB office anyway. By this time it is after 5. I am due to leave work soon, and I feel another small gush. The birthday girl said - "yeah - you need to go!" So I drove myself to the hospital. I called Mat on the way and told him that I was SURE it was nothing to stay at work, and I would call from the hospital when I knew for sure. I wasn't in any pain. It was a 30 minute drive to the hospital. I got there and the nurse took me to a room to check me out. Sure enough, my water had broke. She asked if I had any pain, and I said no. It was now after 6pm. Mat came over from work (although I was calm, so I sent him home to get my suitcase). I sat and hung out until about 10pm - nurse constantly asking me if I was in any pain. Each time was no. At 10pm, contractions hit - hard. Mat was fasinated at their "right on the money" consistency. I was NOT as fasinated. But, I was a lucky girl. It was already 3cm dilated, so I got my epidural at 10:30 and that was the end of my labor pains!! HA! (I had none with Finley, but that is a story for another day). I was checked at 11pm - still 3cm. The nurse told me to get some sleep because it was going to be awhile. At 1:30am, she came in to see me because Arlington's heart was decelerating, and I was 9cm. So much for sleeping! at 2:10am I started pushing and at 2:25am, she was born!!! She came really fast! So I only had 4 1/2 hours of "labor" from 10-2:25.

Anyway, fast forward 6 years through the terrible twos, the MORE terrible threes, the crazy 4's and the pretty okay 5s, Arlington is 6!! She has a 'tude some days, but for the most part, she is a really good girl. She dodes on her brother and sister and is willing to play with them any time, any place. She was born to be a big sister (where Finley was born to be an only child!). She is a lot of fun - at a great age to play games, go shopping, do all kinds of fun things together. We hope it lasts.

She had a really great time at her party yesterday. I have a few pictures to share from a nice mommy friend that took some for me, and I am waiting for a few more from one more mommy friend. The bowling party was great, and all the kids had a wonderful time. She got a lot of really wonderful presents and enjoyed opening them up last night. I took pictures of her opening all of them to send as thank yous for her friends. She is going to be kept busy for a long long time with all the great art, games, books and toys she received!

After the party, we went to Johnny Rockets restaurant. Arlington LOVED this restaurant when we lived in Florida and we went there ALL the time. They are great to the kids - give them special treats and balloons on their birthday, BUT our local JR is in the casino. It was not as kid friendly - didn't even have a kids menu! Oh well. But we still had fun eating there. Showed us we won't be going back any time soon - she will have to find a new favorite.

Today we are just hanging out at home. We are tired from yesterday! Arlington said she wants pizza and popcorn for dinner tonight, so that is what we are having! She is a hoot. Her brother and sister gave her presents today and that she enjoyed opening. Mat's parents left to go home early this morning, and since then we have just been relaxing. It was nice to have them here for the party to help with the two little ones during the party. That made a big difference!

This week Arlington and I (and the babies) are on winter break. No work or school (yay!) It is great that it is after her birthday. Wednesday my parents drive in and will be here until next Sunday the 22nd. It will be nice to have company while I am home alone with the kids for a whole week. Next weekend we are going to get our nails done with Arlington - something she has been wanting to do. (just painted, of course!). And we will be eating out a lot - yum! Plus I have a few projects up my sleeves that I hope to complete.

Enjoy the few pictures I have and when the others come in, I will post those! I took pictures of just a FEW of the presents she got. Thanks to all of the friends and family that continue to spoil her! It means a TON to our little girl that your remembered her special day. I will see you Tuesday!